Remembered in music
Father Angus Morris respected as tradition-bearer for Cape Breton music
It’s not every day you hear about a priest who had one of his original fiddle tunes recorded by Ashley MacIsaac, but those in Cape Breton’s traditional music world say Father Angus Roderick Morris wasn’t your average cleric either.
Generally acknowledged as one of Cape Breton’s top old-style fiddle players, Father Angus Roderick Morris passed away Nov. 24 in Inverness Consolidated Hospital.
Some may remember him as the priest who gave the homily at the funeral of his cousin John Morris Rankin of the Rankin Family in 2000 but for those involved in traditional music circles, Father Angus was a respected musician and composer in his own right.
“It’s a big loss to the local music community,” says Tracey MacNeil, executive director of Strathspey Performing Arts Centre in Mabou.
MacNeil is also a respected Cape Breton pianist and stepdancer who has shared the stage and dance floor many times with Morris. She says Morris was famed for his impeccable sense of timing, key to playing with stepdancers.
MacNeil taught step-dancing at the KOC Hall in Sydney about 25 years ago when Morris and other musicians supplied the instrumental music for the events.
“He was a Gaelic-style fiddler with great timing,” says MacNeil, and Betty Matheson of the Cape Breton Fiddlers Association couldn’t agree more.
“Father Angus was always a great fiddler,” said Matheson. “The Cape Breton Fiddlers Association has lost a dear, dear friend.”
Through the years, Morris had been involved with the association, performing in concerts and event and even acting as director of the group for several years.
“He always tried to keep the traditional tunes,” said Matheson. “It’s a big loss for the Morris family and for the association.”
Through the years, Morris played at many concerts and events around the island. He was also known for his encyclopedic knowledge of traditional tunes, even recording several for the Rounder music label as part of its North American Traditions Series.
Morris also composed for the instrument, including one tune, “Rod Alexander’s Reel” that was first recorded by fiddler Ashley MacIsaac on his “Fine Thank You Very Much” CD.
For years, it was thought the tune was a traditional reel until it was verified that Morris wrote it.
“It speaks to his abilities as a composer that it was thought to be a traditional tune,” says fiddler and CEO of the Gaelic College, Rodney MacDonald.
MacDonald thought so highly of Morris that he composed a slow air, “Father Angus Morris’s 50th Year Tribute,” in his honour when the community of Mabou held a special event for him two years ago. MacDonald has played the tune often in public and says Morris deserved his best effort.
“He was a great priest and a fantastic fiddler.”
In addition to his long association in traditional music circles, Morris spent much of his 52 years in the priesthood serving in various parishes throughout the Diocese of Antigonish. He also worked for seven years in the Latin American Apostolate in Honduras.
Visitation will be held in St. Peter’s Church, Port Hood, on Monday, Nov. 26, from 7-9 p.m. and on Tuesday, Nov. 27, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A prayer vigil will take place at 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday in the church. Funeral mass will be celebrated by Bishop Brian Dunn assisted by Rev. Eugene Morris and priests of the diocese at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Burial will be at a later date. Donations may be made to Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital or a charity of your choice.
“He’ll be missed – I miss him already,” says MacNeil.